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 Development of the current system of education in the Republic of Lithuania started in the 1990s.  Since 2003, the education system covers: preschool (ikimokyklinis) general secondary (bendrasis vidurinis) vocational (profesinis) junior college (aukštesnysis) higher (aukštasis) adult education (suaugusiųjų švietimas)  Education is compulsory until 16  Education at state and municipality schools, vocational schools and junior colleges is free of charge  The school year starts on September 1st

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 Non-university-level studies are organized in one-cycle undergraduate studies  University-level studies are organized in three cycles: first cycle (undergraduate) (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the field of the specialization) second cycle (graduate) (Master’s degree) third cycle (post-graduate) (trains researchers; art teachers, artists and medical practitioners)  Studies follow curricula registered by the Ministry of Education and Science  3 modes of study: daytime, evening and extra- mural

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Admission  To apply to undergraduate programmes, the student must hold a Maturity Certificate or equivalent education certificate  To apply to graduate programmes, the student must hold a Bachelor or equivalent degree  To apply to post-graduate studies, the student must hold a Master or equivalent degree in the selected field  Admission to all cycles takes place on a competitive basis according to the admission rules set up by the higher education institution and validated by the Ministry of Education and Science Academic year: Sep – Jun Languages of instruction: Lithuanian, English